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The Encyclopedia of Horology

Pocket watch · Pair-cased clock-watch

Silver clock-watch by Henricus Mott

Partially verified

The Science Museum Group records this silver pair-cased clock-watch as made by Henricus Mott in London, dated circa 1640 in the text and 1660 in metadata. The movement is signed 'Henricus Mott in Drury Lane' and reportedly features a three-wheel going train, verge escapement, worm and wheel set-up, and a screwed-on balance cock. The inner silver case is pierced and engraved with floral motifs surrounding a central medallion depicting a pastoral scene. The source reports an outer leather case studded in silver with floral and vine patterns, as well as a silver dial engraved with a classical military interior scene.

Back view of the pierced and engraved silver inner case showing pastoral medallion and winding holes
Back view of the pierced and engraved silver inner case showing pastoral medallion and winding holes — Science Museum Group/The Clockmakers' Museum. Rights pending — permission not yet requested. Original source

Catalogue identity

Source
collection.sciencemuseumgroup.org.uk
Category
Pocket watch · Pair-cased clock-watch
Maker / attribution
Henricus Mott
Reference
Not recorded
Catalogue / lot identifier
L2015-3587
Source-reported date
c. 1640–1660
Country
United Kingdom

Source-reported attribution and specifications are not independent authentication. A listing does not establish present ownership, current display, availability or permission to reproduce.

Object description

Case and External Decoration

This pair-cased clock-watch features a silver inner case that is pierced and engraved with floral motifs and a central pastoral scene. A spherical pendant with a loose suspension ring is attached to the top of the case.

The source describes an outer case covered in leather and studded with silver in a vine and floral pattern. The silver dial is reported to be engraved with a classical military figure in an interior setting featuring books and a lute.

Evidence for this section
  • “Outer case covered in leather and studded in silver with a vine pattern and flowers”
  • “the inner pierced and engraved with flowers and a pastoral scene.”
  • “The silver dial is engraved with a classical military figure, in an interior with books and a lute, perhaps theatrical.”
  • “Spherical pendant with a loose suspension ring attached at the top.”

Movement and Maker Details

The movement is signed 'Henricus Mott in Drury Lane.' Reported technical features include a three-wheel going train, a verge escapement, a worm and wheel set-up, and a screwed-on balance cock.

Physical observations of the inner case back reveal a central arbor aperture alongside two offset winding apertures.

Evidence for this section
  • “Signed ‘Henricus Mott in Drury Lane’.”
  • “The movement has a three wheel going train, verge escapement, worm and wheel set up and screwed on balance cock.”
  • “Central arbor aperture and two offset winding apertures visible on the back cover.”

Provenance and Documentation

The object is associated with the Worshipful Company of Clockmakers. Records indicate that Henricus Mott was not a freeman of the organization but paid dues to it.

The source record provides conflicting dates for the piece, citing '1660' in the heading and 'c.1640' in the description. The dial, movement, and outer case described are not visible in the available photograph.

Evidence for this section
  • “Mott was not a freeman of the Clockmakers’ but paid dues to it.”
  • “Made: 1660”
  • “London, c.1640.”

Open research questions

  • What is the basis for the conflicting 1640 and 1660 dates in the source documentation?
  • Does the current physical state of the movement confirm the reported verge escapement and three-wheel going train?
  • What is the significance of the classical military engraving on the dial regarding Mott's known body of work?

Source evidence

Recorded claims and source quotations for Silver clock-watch by Henricus Mott
FieldSource-reported valueSource quotation
Maker's signatureHenricus Mott in Drury Lane“Signed ‘Henricus Mott in Drury Lane’.”
Object NumberL2015-3587“Object Number: L2015-3587”
Clockmakers Museum Number713“Clockmakers Museum No. 713”
Escapement typeVerge escapement“verge escapement”
Inner case decorationPierced and engraved with flowers and a pastoral scene“the inner pierced and engraved with flowers and a pastoral scene.”
Overall Measurements59.5 mm x 60.5 mm x 30 mm“overall: 59.5 mm x 60.5 mm x 30 mm”

Visible details

  • Pierced and engraved silver inner case back featuring a central circular engraved medallion with a pastoral landscape and architecture.
  • Central arbor aperture and two offset winding apertures visible on the back cover.
  • Spherical pendant with a loose suspension ring attached at the top.

Research qualifications

  • The source gives conflicting dates: '1660' in the heading and 'c.1640' in the description.
  • The movement interior, dial, and outer studded leather case described in the documentation are not visible in this photograph.

Photograph identity and source facts were screened before import; rights clearance remains pending.

Consulted source

Silver clock-watch by Henricus Mott | Science Museum Group Collection

Reviewed 2026-10-22 · Record c393a39c6a

Terms in this record

Glossary explanations for terms named in this object’s record.